TV broadcasters are welcoming the Albanese Government’s decision to extend the suspension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax for another two years, saying it will “provide certainty for commercial television broadcasters”.
Seven Network, Network 10, Nine Network and Free TV Australia have all shared positive reactions to B&T in response to the extension.
Free TV, which represents the commercial television industry, has stated that the tax typically costs the sector approximately $50 million annually, and has placed “an unsustainable burden on a sector that is central to Australia’s media landscape”.
“We thank Minister Wells and the Albanese Government for recognising the real pressures facing commercial television and taking this important step,” CEO Bridget Fair said in a statement.
“This is money that can go directly into Australian content, trusted news, live and free sport, and the infrastructure that keeps free television available to every Australian.
She said the Government has shown it “understands the value of commercial television services to Australian communities and has backed it with real action”.
Meanwhile, Nine’s CEO Matt Stanton described the Government’s decision as freeing up “real resources to support Australian journalism”.
“Trusted journalism is the lifeblood of a healthy democracy,” he said.
“Australian commercial broadcasters carry an enormous share of the load, unlike the global digital platforms.”
President of Network 10 and head of streaming and regional lead for Australia and New Zealand, Beverley McGarvey said the network “warmly welcomes this decision from the Albanese Government”.
“The two year extension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax suspension is a meaningful acknowledgement of the pressures facing our industry. We are the biggest investors in Australian content and this decision will help ensure we can continue delivering the quality entertainment programming, news and live sport that our audiences depend on.”
“We thank Minister Wells and the Government for their commitment to the future of free-to-air television.”
Meanwhile, managing director and CEO of Southern Cross Media Group, Rohan Lund described the extension as “a positive step for commercial broadcasters and for the millions of Australians who rely on us every day.”
“The two-year extension means we can keep investing in local newsrooms, live sport and homegrown entertainment that delivers our services to every household.”
“A pause, however, is not the same as a permanent fix,” he said.
“The case for permanent abolition of the CBT has never been stronger. It is a tax with no equivalent anywhere in the world, and we look forward to working with the Government to make this relief permanent.”
Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) have also welcomed the Albanese Government’s decision, with CEO Lizzie Young saying: “We are pleased the Government recognises the need to support the long-term sustainability of Australia’s local media industry.”
“A two-year CBT suspension is a step in the right direction for our sector, which carries regulatory burdens our global competitors do not face. But the archaic radio-specific rules that are holding local radio back must be repealed, and the most critical issue for our sector, radio prominence, must be addressed. That is what we are calling on the Government to deliver,” she said.
Young added: “If we are serious about protecting Australia’s national media sovereignty and levelling the playing field against global technology platforms – whose impact on local media has been devastating – these further reforms are essential.”
